Boise State's national championship dream survived the Broncos' big season-opening test. A seesaw, opening-weekend showdown full of mistakes, special teams gaffes and critical penalties went Boise State's way Monday night as the No. 5 Broncos came back in the closing minutes for a 33-30 victory against No. 6 Virginia Tech.

It's been almost 35 years since Florida State had a media day without former head coach Bobby Bowden, and even though he might not be at the reigns of the Seminoles in 2010, his presence is still felt around the field.

The hottest name among college football coaches is probably Houston's Kevin Sumlin, 35. His Cougars went 18-9 in his first two years, including the program's first bowl victory in 28 years in 2008. Last year, Houston went 10-4, beating Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, and led the nation in passing offense (433.71 yards a game), total offense (563.36) and scoring offense (42.21 points, tied with Boise State). That raised eyebrows and interest. Others to watch:

Boise State coach Chris Petersen's new five-year, $8 million contract has been approved by the Idaho State Board of Education. Under the terms, Petersen will make $1.2 million in salary in 2010, plus a $200,000 bonus if he's still coaching the Broncos on Feb. 1, 2011.